The first ODI between India and South Africa has been won by the proteas quite comfortably. Winning the toss, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has elected to bat first. Despite the slow start, South Africa managed to score a fighting total of 296 in their 50 overs, thanks to the tons of Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen.
In reply, though India lost captain KL Rahul early, Dhawan and Kohli set the platform for the big chase. However, they both fell in quick succession and the usual middle-order collapse meant that India was short of 31 runs. There are quite a few mistakes India did in the first ODI that might be the reasons for the failure.
1. Venkatesh Iyer:
He was taken as a bowling all-rounder. Though the wickets didn’t fall for India and the bowlers were proving to be ineffective, they didn’t try Venkatesh Iyer’s bowling skills. Might be he would take a wicket or two and that would change the whole equation.
2. sluggish fielding
The man of the match Rassie van der Dussen has been given two reprieves by the Indians, thanks to their sluggish fielding. One by Pant and one by Kohli. Between these two drops, Rassie has made 75 at a very brisk pace.
3. Batting order
India’s middle-order has been the main crisis and Achilles heel for them over the formats. It has hurt them in the test cricket and now in the ODI cricket as well. KL Rahul has been consistent at No. 5 in the ODIs, He has promoted himself to the opening slot, which means that the middle order is fragile.
